{
  "id": 2478035,
  "title": "Lionel Messi Punished by MLS for Actions During Inter Miami Match",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/lionel-messi-punished-by-mls-for-actions-during-inter-miami-match",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-22T02:28:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/lionel-messi-punished-by-mls-for-actions-during-inter-miami-match-12355188"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Wednesday, Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union faced off in a 2-2 draw, with Lionel Messi netting his 13th goal of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season. This was not unexpected, as Messi is renowned for his goal-scoring prowess. However, Messi garnered attention for his interaction with Philadelphia midfielder Quinn Sullivan, which involved a verbal exchange and Messi slapping Sullivan on the back of his neck. This action clearly upset Sullivan, who confronted Messi. The referee intervened to prevent the situation from worsening.\n\nConsequently, Lionel Messi was fined an undisclosed amount by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for violating the league's policy regarding hands to face/head/neck of an opponent. Ian Fray, another player involved, also received a fine. Interestingly, Philadelphia's Cavan Sullivan's ban was lifted. It was reported by ESPN that Messi received a fine for an undisclosed amount.\n\nMessi returned to Inter Miami on August 2 following a stellar performance at the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup, where he scored eight goals and provided four assists, leading Argentina to the World Cup final, which they lost to Spain in extra time. Messi's father, Jorge, passed away on August 8, and Messi scored his first goal since his father's death during this match against Philadelphia. Messi is in his fourth season with Inter Miami, the reigning MLS Cup champions, and is also the reigning back-to-back MLS MVP. Inter Miami currently sits in second place in the Eastern Conference, trailing only Nashville SC. They will face Toronto FC in a rematch on Saturday, August 22.",
  "summary": "Inter Miami star Lionel Messi scored yet another goal, but that wasn't the headline. Read what happened here.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Lionel Messi and Ian Fray are fined over separate incidents involving Inter Miami teammates",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/lionel-messi-and-ian-fray-are-fined-over-separate-incidents-involving",
        "published": "2026-08-21T22:19:55.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}